What it means
A drug that blocks calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells. It lowers blood pressure, eases angina, and slows the signal through the AV node, so it is used to control fast heart rhythms such as supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, a slow pulse, low blood pressure and swelling of the ankles.
For the nurse
Check the apical pulse and blood pressure before each dose and hold as ordered if low. Extended-release forms are swallowed whole. Teach the client to avoid grapefruit juice, to eat fiber and drink fluids to prevent constipation, and to rise slowly. Give IV doses slowly with the client on a cardiac monitor.
At a glance
| Drug class | calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Calan, Calan SR, Verelan |
| Spanish | verapamilo |
| Also written | Calan, Calan SR, Verelan |
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.
nifedipine
A calcium channel blocker taken by mouth that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure.